Many 17- to 24-year-olds cannot join the military because they are uneducated, overweight or cannot obey the law.

“Too many young people are dropping out of school, getting involved in crime and are physically unfit,” according to the “Ready, Willing and Unable to Serve” report, which was compiled by a national group of retired military leaders.

“That’s probably one of the toughest parts of recruiting,” said U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Steve White, head of marketing for Air Force recruiting in Tennessee and North Georgia.

Marine recruiter Staff Sgt. Matt Wolfenbarger said felony convictions knock out candidates.

“No felonies whatsoever, doesn’t matter juvenile, minor or adult,” he said. “Our command, if they have more than one misdemeanor, we’re not going to mess with them.”

Despite the report’s gloomy outlook, military recruiting has met or exceeded nationwide goals for all branches this year. And local recruiters say standards are stricter now than in the past.

Many recruiters attribute interest in the military to service in both Iraq and Afghanistan and a down economy, which draws people seeking jobs.

The report noted the recent recruiting success but looked into the future with concern.

“A weak economy is no formula for a strong military,” the report states. “Once the economy begins to grow again, the challenge of finding enough high-quality recruits will return.”

Military recruits with disqualifying marks can apply for waivers, but if problems are too serious, such as a felony conviction, they still may not be accepted.

Ten percent of all youth ages 17 to 24 are disqualified for at least one prior felony conviction or serious misdemeanor, according to the report.

Tech Sgt. White said each case is different and that individual recruiters can’t approve or disapprove a waiver. Requests for waivers go up the chain of command until they are granted or denied.

Some requirements surprise potential recruits. In almost all cases, a high school diploma is required. Only in rare cases can a recruit join with just a GED, Tech Sgt. White said.

If students have a GED and 15 college credit hours, then they are qualified, he said. But the Air Force only allows 1 percent of its recruits in each year with just a GED. Only three such recruits were signed in Tennessee last year, the sergeant said.

Staff Sgt. Wolfenbarger said Marine standards, especially in physical fitness, are hurdles for some. Many who come in the door can’t complete the required two pull-ups for their initial fitness test, he said.

Tattoos are also a problem. Any tattoos on the face, neck or hands will disqualify a signee. Any racially motivated or hate-related tattoos and more than seven tattoos total anywhere on the body will disqualify a potential recruit, he said.

Prescription medications are another obstacle for young men and women who want to join, recruiters said. A recruit cannot be dependent on medications such as asthma medicine or attention deficit disorder drugs, he said.

Anyone signing on must be off a medication for more than a year before the medical officers will review the request.

“Every other kid you talk to seems to be on medication,” Staff Sgt. Wolfenbarger said. Of 10 recent potential recruits otherwise qualified, at least four will not be able to join because of prescription medications, he said.

The Mission: Readiness group recommends early childhood education as one of the most effective ways to combat high school dropouts, criminal behavior and other problems in recruiting.

The report called increased investments in early childhood education “essential to our national security.”